NORTHOP Hall Hockey Club were disappointed to only draw 3-3 with Neston despite fielding a weakened squad in their North Hockey League Men’s Two clash.

Early in the game Mark Worrall was able to break away twice and create two one-on-one chances with the Neston keeper. On both occasions the Hall forward came out on top with two classy finishes into the bottom corner.

Hall were looking like they could run riot, but Neston put paid to that when a wayward hit smashed Ed Jones on the thigh leaving him unable to run.

With no replacement Hall swapped a few positions but Neston took advantage and were able to break behind the midfield and get a run at the defence to level at 2-2 by the interval.

The second half saw Hall take a more controlled approach and Ed Iffla sat slightly deeper, breaking down the Neston attacks.

But eventually Neston took the lead and forced Hall to come out and attack with 10 minutes to go.

With nothing to lose Hall pushed higher forced the Neston defender into a mistake on the goal line to earn a penalty flick, which was duly dispatched by Si Roscoe to earn a draw.

Hall 2nds fell 6-3 to Neston 2nds.

It was 3-3 at the break, Nick Critchley, Aled Affleck and an own goal from a Craig Williams clearance keeping Hall level.

In the second half Neston ran in three goals without reply.

Hall 3rds also lost, 3-0 to Bebington 4ths.

Andy Stranger working hard in midfield but Hall, weakened by holiday absences, were unable to convert their chances.

A 13-0 loss for Hall 4ths against Neston South Wirral 7ths was an unfair reflection of a battling effort from a young Hall team.